Farming unions have reacted to Brexit by urging caution and co-operation as the process of leaving the European Union begins.

NFU Cymru has urged politicians and governments of all political persuasions to work together to allow Welsh farmers to carve out the best possible future.

And the FUW has welcomed the Prime Minister’s decision to delay invoking Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon and has called for the UK and EU to agree on a sensible timetable for Brexit.

“The FUW supported the remain campaign and was a member of Stronger In Europe, so we are naturally disappointed with the outcome,” said FUW President Glyn Roberts.

“However, as a democratic organisation we fully respect the outcome of the vote, and work must now start to build a positive future for farming and the rural economy of Wales outside the EU.”

Mr Roberts said the timescale of an exit was crucial to such planning, and that exit over too short a period would have dire consequences for both the UK and the EU.

NFU Cymru President, Stephen James said, “This referendum stimulated significant discussion amongst farmers on the pros and cons of being part of the European Union. Our priority now is to work with Government in Cardiff and London, as well as the EU institutions via our dedicated office in Brussels, to ensure that our departure from the EU takes place with the minimum of disruption to Welsh agriculture, and to seek to develop those policies that will deliver a productive, profitable and progressive Welsh agricultural industry.

“The referendum vote now means we have two years from the day upon which our decision to leave the EU is officially notified to the EU Council, to agree the terms of our departure from the EU. For the time being, we know that from now until our departure from the EU becomes effective, Welsh farmers will continue to receive CAP support and have access to EU markets. Beyond this we are however entering a period of considerable uncertainty as our politicians hammer out the terms of our withdrawal.

“At the forefront of most farmers’ minds will be the twin questions of what level of access we will enjoy to the European markets and what level of support farmers in Wales might receive once the withdrawal process is complete. We must ensure we have the best possible access to Europe’s markets and an agricultural policy that guarantees parity of treatment with the rest of Europe. If farm businesses are to plan for the future then they need to know the answers to these questions sooner rather than later.

“Agriculture is a significant contributor to the Welsh economy with 60,000 people employed either full or part time on holdings in Wales. Welsh agriculture has a gross output of nearly £1.5bn and underpins a food supply chain worth £6bn annually, employing 230,000 people or 18% of our workforce. It is essential that this is not put at risk."